For my mother-in-law, I made the cutest (if I do say myself) apron. I found this pattern at JoAnn. It is a vintage pattern that they are re-printing. I had to tackle my sister because she seriously thought about stealing it before I could gift it. She wanted to wear it as a dress for new years... think Carrie Bradshaw. I insisted that a dress version needed to close in the back lest her rump be exposed. Even Carrie Bradshaw covered her rump....I think. I promised a more appropriate apron dress in the future. She didn't believe me...perhaps rightfully so. Anywho, here she is modeling for me.
This Cheeky little hat went to my gorgeous sister. Sorry, the photo is on my other computer and I am waaayyyy to lazy to move right now:) Pattern available on ravelry.
And my lovely sister in law got a pair of Toast.
It was a good crafty Christmas. Not great because I didn't make many gifts but good because I managed to eek out a few and I was stress-free. Perfect!
Her wedding is in less than 2 weeks now. Brian and I will be heading to Colorado Springs so that I can stand next to her as her matron of honor and celebrate this joyous occasion.
The little shower included 4 flower arrangements for the table and for the guests to take home with them.
I made these candy wrapper sachets (pattern from One Skein) for the favor. Actually, my lovely friend, Heather, made 2 and I made 2. Thank heaven for good friends! Jo Ann had cute heart charms in the bridal department. I thought that they would bring a touch of love to the mood of the party.
Here are the completed armwarmers I made using the lovely yarn I posted about earlier. The color is wonderful and bright and these puppies are super soft and cozy. Not sure if I will gift these or if I must simply keep them for myself. Regardless, this pattern will be used again for sure!
This is a Stella McCartney knit. It is soft and delicious. I have already worn it multiple times. I will tell you that this sweater was originally $1100.00 (yes, I did mean to add all of those zeros). Lovely as it is, in my opinion there is no article of clothing worth that. I didn't even spend 15% of that amount. Linds, thanks for hookin' a sista up!!
As if that incredible score wasn't enough, she bough me this glorious skein of hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn from her local farmers market. The color is a happy color, you know, the kind that makes you smile when you look at it. I couldn't wait to get it on the needles. I was so inspired by this yarn that I decided to give cabling a go. I LOVE it! Can't wait until these little fingerless gloves are finished. Maybe I'll even start my Christmas crafting in July...now that would be something!
They add so much to this old house of ours.
But, oh my, was getting them done a real pain. I'm not gonna lie, there were tears... from me. Having 4 kids and 2 dogs home all week with no use of the first floor (kitchen included) was tough. Then moving 6 people and 2 dogs into my in-law's basement was a challenge. We made it through and I am so grateful for this home improvement. That which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right? Well, I'm not dead...yet.
I found this pattern on ravelry. It was a very quick knit. Sewing on the skirt was a bit tricky but now that I have done it, I think the next one will go much smoother. Isn't that always the way it goes?
I had this order to fill. The new baby was born two days ago so I am just in time!
Last night I cast on this child's cabled jumper. This will be my first go at cables so wish me luck!
Last week, I started a poncho for the girls. I am using a skein from my stash and I onyl had one on hand. Since it is a craft store yarn I didn't worry about getting more. Well I have finished the first skein and, what do you know, Joann put all of their yarn on sale and sold out of this one. Bummer!! Not sure how long this will have to wait but I will share when it's finished.
I stopped into my local yarn store yesterday to get some needles and I stumbled upon this magazine. It had me at hello. I fell in love with the sweater on the front. It is next in line.
Over the last week, I attended another yoga class and spent much of my free time knitting away at this lovely first garment. Needless to say, my mood is much improved.
Though the photos don't reveal them, I will admit that there are some mistakes. None of them seemed so dire that I needed to take it all apart. In the end, I am glad I just pushed through it. The mishaps are nearly undetectable and my spirits are soaring at the accomplishment.
Onward and upward my friends! I may just tackle something for me next.
I was working on a hat prior to buying the book. Once I browsed through the lovely pages, I thought the hat should have a little stitch work.
Vaughanie girl loves her new hat.
Is she not the cutest little pumpkin EVER??
Its mine. I can't wait until its in my hot little hands. I am so tired of having everything I need for a knitting project except the right size needles. I have spent so much money on needles and I still never have the right size for that next project. Hopefully this little beauty of a system will solve that problem for good! Merry Christmas to me...again.
Ella is in love with her little hoot owl.
I even managed to whip this little beauty up for myself. It was quick and easy and it will get lots of wear for sure. I am becoming a hat wearin' kind if gal. Eliminates the need to do my hair...sweet! Free pattern from ravelry.
Christmas came early for this crafty-mama. I will fill you in later. All I have to say is thank goodness for knowledgeable friends!
It turned out pretty well for a quick 2 hour project. Mama is a happy, organized knitter now.
Not sure if the baby is a boy or a girl so I made a tomato hat. This knitted up really nicely. I hope the recipient likes it and her little sprout wears it often!
I had never used double pointed needles to knit in the round before but with my trusty video tutorials, I was cast on and knitting in no time.
I am wearing them right now and I can tell you that I they will get plenty of wear. I am always cold and I love how they look. I have a few 3/4 length sleeved sweaters. Pop these on and voila, toasty arms. 
Had to throw in a pic of my new jacket. I got it at the worlds larget rummage sale a couple weekends ago. A huge group of area churches got together and used the fair grounds to house a barn sale. It was pretty amazing. I went the last day so this was $25. Brand new condition military jacket. Score and a half!!
And look what you can do while wearing your new mittens.
Make super silly funny faces!
Gotta admit that the lovely thumbed mitten of the previous post turned out to be practice. Since finishing the inside-out, way too big mitten, my skills improved. I had to make 2 more to have a wearable set. What a great skill I have now though. I'm off to make 2 more pair for the other munchkins.
In other crafty news, I stopped by the most adorable little shop yesterday. I have driven past it many times in the past few months but wasn't sure what was in it. All I could see was the sign outside. Its called My Eclectic Mess and the logo is a dress form wearing a polka dot skirt. Enough said. This is the place for me.
I did a bit of online research and came across the shop's website and blog. Yes, its a bloggy mama that owns the shop. Even better!
Look at the lovelies that followed me home. I was looking for some fabric for the girls fall wardrobe. Beth suggested these fabrics from Joel Dewberry's Aviary collection. I could not be more excited to make something from them. A little jumper I think. If I could just work up the courage to cut them....
I used a cotton/wool blend for this project. It is super light weight yet soft and warm. I am happy with my very first completed knit project. On to the next!
